Nagaland to Introduce Tobacco Vendor Licensing Rules
Jun 01, 2026
The Nagaland government is set to strengthen tobacco control measures by introducing tobacco vendor licensing rules and enhancing enforcement across the state.
Addressing the State-Level Observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026 and a sensitisation programme for Youth Ministry leaders in Kohima on Sunday, Health and Family Welfare Secretary S. Tainiu said the state is moving beyond awareness campaigns towards stronger administrative and regulatory measures to curb tobacco use.
She informed that the government is framing Tobacco Vendor Licensing Rules in coordination with municipal bodies. The state has also constituted a State Empowered Committee on Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to safeguard public health policies from tobacco industry influence.
Highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts, Tainiu said that more than 400 violations of tobacco-free zone regulations around educational institutions were penalised during the last financial year.
Meanwhile, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mereninla Senlem expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of tobacco consumption and the rising number of oral cancer cases linked to smokeless tobacco products. She urged community leaders and stakeholders to actively support tobacco prevention and control initiatives across the state.
The measures are aimed at strengthening tobacco control and promoting a healthier environment, particularly among young people in Nagaland.
